Interjet’s $150m stake sale hits snag on Mexican tax tab

A deal for a large stake in Mexico’s Interjet is on hold because of the embattled airline’s tax woes, said people familiar with the matter. A group led by Carlos Cabal Peniche and Alejandro del Valle would take 90% of Interjet under a $150m pact announced in July, El Financiero newspaper reported Wednesday. But the new investors have yet to provide the funds out of fear that the government would grab some of the money to cover unpaid taxes, said the people, who asked not to be named because the talks are private. The delay in the investment is clouding Interjet’s future as the carrier grapples with the coronavirus pandemic and financial woes that predate Covid-19. The company, which is controlled by the descendants of a Mexican president, abruptly canceled service on Sunday, saying the disruptions were due to aircraft maintenance and the coronavirus pandemic. Flights resumed Tuesday. ABC Aerolineas SA, Interjet’s full name, declined to comment. The carrier’s fleet is down to six Russian-made Sukhoi Superjets, according to Flightradar24. Most of the carrier’s Airbus planes were repossessed by lessors earlier this year.<br/>